The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) is set for a massive infrastructural facelift following the announcement of a $6.6 million (USD) prefabricated classroom project.

The facility, currently in the final stages of arrangement, is designed to accommodate 1,000 students simultaneously, providing a critical solution to the institution's growing enrollment needs.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, revealed this milestone during the university’s matriculation ceremony on Saturday, 21st February 2026.

The event served as a dual-purpose occasion: welcoming 2,301 fresh students and formally marking the institution's transition from the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) to simply UBIDS.

Beyond the new prefabricated complex, Prof. Derbile announced that the university has received crucial financial clearance from GETFund. This clearance covers the revised contract sums for all uncompleted projects on campus, ensuring that stalled infrastructural works will finally move toward completion.

“While infrastructural projects on campus are currently few, the ongoing and upcoming initiatives are highly significant to the university's expansion,” the Vice-Chancellor noted, framing the $6.6 million investment as a cornerstone of the university’s modernisation.

Prof. Derbile highlighted a striking disparity in the university's academic demographics. While he celebrated a "massive surge" in female enrollment at the undergraduate level—where females now make up over 52% of diploma students—he sounded the alarm over a "vanishing" female presence in higher academic tiers.

The 2025/2026 Matriculation Breakdown:

• Diploma: 868 students (52.6% Female)
• Degree: 1,030 students (43.4% Female)
• Master’s: 205 students (23.4% Female)
• PhD: 95 students (9.4% Female)
• Law (L200): 103 students (8.7% Female)

“You are valued, and we will continue to champion your advancement,” he assured female students, pledging to bridge the postgraduate gender gap through mentorship and inclusive policies. He further urged male students to act as allies in building an equitable environment.

The Vice-Chancellor issued a stern, uncompromising warning to the matriculants regarding academic integrity. He made it clear that while the university is prepared to support dedicated learners, it will ruthlessly purge those who attempt to cheat the system.

“Plagiarism is unacceptable... If you copy your way through to this place and you are not caught, we will catch you and take you out of the system,” Prof. Derbile warned, emphasising that the "newly branded" UBIDS would be built on the bedrock of discipline and originality.

Addressing the economic pressures facing students, the VC assured the gathering that the university has implemented a "stress-free fees policy" to streamline financial operations.

He urged students to reciprocate this gesture by upholding high standards of punctuality and aligning with the institution's positive culture.

Prof. Derbile concluded by commending the university staff for their daily sacrifices despite "challenging working conditions", promising that management is actively working to improve the campus workspace to match the university's ambitious new identity.